- Why the RJC Code of Practices Matters for Businesses
- What is the RJC Code of Practices?
- Why Businesses Cannot Ignore RJC Compliance Anymore
- Key Requirements Under the RJC Code of Practices
- Common Challenges Businesses Face During Implementation
- Mini Case Study : How a Mid-Sized Jewelry Manufacturer Improved Compliance
- Best Practices for Successful Certification
- The Strategic Value of RJC Certification
- Conclusion
- Suggested External Resources
Why the RJC Code of Practices Matters for Businesses
The jewelry and watch industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Customers, investors, regulators, and supply chain partners are no longer satisfied with promises of ethical business practices—they expect proof.
This is where the RJC Code of Practices comes into the picture.
For businesses operating in the jewelry, gemstone, precious metals, and watch sectors, compliance is no longer just about meeting industry standards. It is about building trust, protecting brand reputation, demonstrating responsible sourcing, and preparing for a future where transparency is a competitive advantage.
Yet many organizations still ask the same question:
What exactly does the RJC Code of Practices require, and how can businesses successfully comply?
This guide breaks down the essential requirements, practical implementation steps, common challenges, and strategic benefits of certification.
What is the RJC Code of Practices?
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) developed the Code of Practices (COP) as a globally recognized standard for responsible business conduct across the jewelry and watch supply chain.
The framework establishes requirements covering:
- Business ethics
- Human rights
- Labor rights
- Environmental management
- Responsible sourcing
- Supply chain due diligence
- Health and safety
- Product disclosure
The objective is simple:
To ensure businesses operate responsibly while maintaining transparency throughout their supply chains.
For many organizations, compliance has become a key requirement for accessing global markets, partnering with leading brands, and demonstrating sustainability performance.
Why Businesses Cannot Ignore RJC Compliance Anymore
The business case for compliance extends far beyond certification.
Today’s stakeholders want assurance that materials are sourced responsibly and that operations do not contribute to environmental or social harm.
Organizations that align with responsible sourcing frameworks often experience:
- Improved customer trust
- Stronger investor confidence
- Enhanced supplier relationships
- Better risk management
- Increased market access
- Improved sustainability performance
As ESG expectations continue to rise globally, businesses that proactively implement robust governance systems are better positioned to adapt to future regulatory requirements.
CTA: Looking to assess your organization’s readiness for certification? Conduct a compliance gap assessment before beginning your implementation journey.
Key Requirements Under the RJC Code of Practices
Understanding the core requirements is the first step toward successful implementation.
1. Business Ethics and Integrity
Organizations must establish systems that promote ethical conduct across operations.
Key expectations include:
- Anti-bribery measures
- Anti-corruption controls
- Financial transparency
- Responsible business practices
- Effective grievance mechanisms
Businesses should demonstrate that ethical principles are embedded within everyday decision-making processes.
2. Human Rights Due Diligence
Human rights have become a central focus of global supply chain expectations.
Organizations are expected to:
- Respect internationally recognized human rights
- Identify and assess risks
- Address potential adverse impacts
- Establish remediation processes
- Monitor ongoing performance
A documented due diligence process is critical for demonstrating compliance.
3. Labor Rights and Working Conditions
Employee welfare remains a core pillar of responsible business conduct.
Requirements include:
- Fair treatment of workers
- Non-discrimination practices
- Prevention of child labor
- Prevention of forced labor
- Freedom of association
- Fair compensation practices
Strong labor management systems help businesses reduce operational and reputational risks.
4. Health and Safety Management
Organizations must provide a safe and healthy workplace.
Key elements include:
- Hazard identification
- Risk assessment
- Emergency preparedness
- Incident investigation
- Employee training
- Continuous improvement measures
Health and safety performance is often one of the first areas evaluated during certification audits.
5. Environmental Management
Environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important across global supply chains.
Businesses should focus on:
- Resource efficiency
- Waste management
- Water stewardship
- Pollution prevention
- Energy management
- Environmental compliance
Organizations with mature environmental management systems typically find certification implementation significantly easier.
6. Responsible Supply Chain Due Diligence
Perhaps the most critical requirement today involves responsible sourcing.
Companies must establish processes to:
- Understand supplier risks
- Assess supply chain impacts
- Identify high-risk sourcing areas
- Monitor supplier performance
- Address identified concerns
Supply chain transparency has become a defining factor in maintaining stakeholder confidence.
7. Product Disclosure and Consumer Confidence
Consumers increasingly want to know where products come from and how they are produced.
Organizations should ensure:
- Accurate product claims
- Transparent disclosures
- Reliable sourcing information
- Consistent communication practices
Transparency helps strengthen long-term customer relationships.
RJC 2024/2026 Core Provision
Why It Matters for Audit
Required Evidence & Documentation
Common Audit Findings / Non-Conformance
Business Ethics & Integrity (COP 1-5)
Establishes legal compliance, operational transparency, and active anti-bribery controls.
Written anti-corruption policies, documented whistleblowing channels, and public financial disclosures.
Lacking a formalized, anonymous internal grievance mechanism for workers.
Human Rights Due Diligence (COP 6)
Aligns business operations directly with the UN Guiding Principles to mitigate adverse social impacts.
Documented human rights risk assessment across all operational facilities and Tier 1 suppliers.
Treating human rights as a “sub-bullet” of HR rather than a standalone, documented risk process.
Labor Rights & Working Conditions (COP 13-20)
Protects worker welfare, fair compensation, and absolute prevention of forced/child labor.
Payroll records, time-tracking sheets, anonymous worker interview logs, and non-discrimination policies.
Inconsistent tracking of overtime hours or missing documentation for third-party contractors.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) (COP 23)
[New Mandatory Focus] Ensures proactive systems promote equity at all levels of the organization.
Written DEI policy, equal-pay monitoring records, and inclusive hiring framework documentation.
Treating DEI as “optional” or lacking measurable internal tracking metrics.
Wastes, Emissions & Climate Action (COP 27)
[New Mandatory Focus] Elevates environmental management into verifiable carbon accounting.
Annual quantified inventory of Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions; documented waste management protocols.
Failure to calculate energy output or lack of independent data verification for high-emission entities.
Responsible Supply Chain Due Diligence (COP 7)
Prevents sourcing from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs) via OECD alignment.
Sourcing origin records, enhanced “Know Your Counterparty” (KYC) logs, and supplier risk-tiering matrix.
Relying solely on supplier “self-declarations” without independent verification of high-risk materials.
Product Disclosure (COP 31)
Maintains consumer confidence by guaranteeing exact material authenticity and provenance.
Transparent invoices detailing synthetic, laboratory-grown, treated, or simulated gemstones explicitly.
Using ambiguous trade terminology on customer-facing invoices or product certificates.
Common Challenges Businesses Face During Implementation
While the framework provides clear guidance, implementation can be challenging.
The most common obstacles include:
Limited Supply Chain Visibility
Many organizations struggle to obtain accurate information from suppliers beyond Tier 1.
Documentation Gaps
Policies may exist, but supporting evidence is often incomplete.
Resource Constraints
Smaller organizations frequently lack dedicated sustainability personnel.
Inconsistent Internal Processes
Different departments may operate under separate procedures, creating compliance gaps.
Businesses that conduct structured gap assessments early typically achieve certification more efficiently.
****Mini Case Study : How a Mid-Sized Jewelry Manufacturer Improved Compliance
A mid-sized jewelry manufacturer preparing for certification discovered several challenges during its initial assessment:
- Supplier screening was inconsistent
- Human rights documentation was incomplete
- Environmental performance data was fragmented
The organization implemented:
- A supplier due diligence program
- Formal sustainability policies
- Employee training initiatives
- Environmental monitoring procedures
Within twelve months, the company significantly improved operational transparency and strengthened relationships with international buyers.
Key Lesson: Successful implementation is rarely about creating entirely new systems. It is often about strengthening and formalizing existing processes.
Best Practices for Successful Certification
Organizations pursuing certification should consider the following approach:
Start with a Gap Assessment
Identify current compliance status and prioritize high-risk areas.
Secure Leadership Commitment
Executive support is essential for long-term success.
Engage Suppliers Early
Supplier participation often determines implementation effectiveness.
Train Employees
Awareness programs help embed responsible business practices into daily operations.
Monitor Performance Regularly
Continuous improvement is a core expectation of modern sustainability frameworks.
The Strategic Value of RJC Certification
Forward-thinking organizations view certification as more than a compliance exercise.
It provides opportunities to:
- Enhance brand credibility
- Improve supply chain resilience
- Strengthen stakeholder trust
- Demonstrate sustainability leadership
- Support ESG reporting initiatives
- Access new business opportunities
In an increasingly transparent marketplace, responsible business practices are becoming a source of competitive advantage.
Conclusion
The RJC Code of Practices is rapidly becoming a benchmark for responsible business conduct across the jewelry and watch industry.
Organizations that invest in robust governance, responsible sourcing, human rights due diligence, environmental management, and supply chain transparency are better equipped to meet stakeholder expectations and future-proof their operations.
Rather than viewing compliance as an obligation, businesses should see it as an opportunity to build trust, strengthen resilience, and create long-term value.
Ready to Begin Your RJC Compliance Journey?
✔ Conduct a compliance gap assessment
✔ Evaluate your responsible sourcing practices
✔ Strengthen supply chain due diligence processes
✔ Develop a roadmap for certification success
✔ Engage sustainability experts to accelerate implementation
The sooner organizations begin preparing, the easier it becomes to meet evolving industry expectations.
Suggested External Resources
- Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains
- United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- UN Global Compact
Ready to align your sustainability strategy?
Talk to Growlity about building your ESG reporting strategy.